New in River North: Kinzie Street

Catch up on what's new -- and coming soon -- to this sizzling River North street

Chef's board of the day at Central Standard

March 27, 2013|By Lisa Arnett, @redeyeeatdrink | RedEye

Hubbard Street holds the unofficial title of the most bustling strip in River North, but it's neighbor one block to the south, Kinzie Street, is gaining momentum.

Classics such as Keefer's and Harry Caray's have been holding court on Kinzie for more than 10 and 20 years, respectively, while favorites such as Mercadito, Public House and Gilt Bar have moved in over the past few years.

In just the last year, Kinzie has become increasingly more crowded with the openings of throwback steakhouse Bavette's, sprawling speakeasy-style bar Untitled, and a downtown location of John Barleycorn.

Here's a look at the freshest newcomers, plus two more in-the-works projects.

Siena Tavern51 W. Kinzie St. 312-595-1322Opened: Last monthThis Italian-inspired restaurant and bar from the owners of Bull & Bear and Public House has some serious celebrity chef cred thanks to partner Fabio Viviani, a fan favorite from "Top Chef."

RPM Steak60 W. Kinzie St.Opening: Fall or winterThe team behind RPM Italian—Molly, RJ and Jerrod Melman as well as chef Doug Psaltis and celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic—are at it again with this similarly named steakhouse.

Blackfinn Ameripub353 N. Clark St.Opening: Late July or early August The address is officially on Clark Street, but the entrance for this massive bar and restaurant with 100-plus tap handles is squarely on Kinzie Street. Sidewalk seating is in the plans for along Kinzie as well as Clark.

Central Standard169 W. Kinzie St. 312-527-9463Opened: Last weekChef Ryan Wombacher takes diners on a journey through the namesake time zone, from St. Louis-style fried ravioli to grilled Gulf oysters with house-made hot sauce.